When maintaining a proper lookout, the master should consider various factors to ensure the safety of the vessel. Visibility is crucial as it allows the master to see any potential hazards or obstacles in the surroundings. Dense traffic is another important factor to consider as it affects the vessel's maneuverability and requires extra caution. Sound signaling apparatus is also relevant as it helps in communication and alerting other vessels. However, steering control is not directly related to maintaining a lookout but rather to maneuvering the vessel. Therefore, it is not a relevant factor to consider in this context.
In this situation, the best course of action is to notify the master. By informing the master about your doubt and seeking guidance, you can ensure that you are following the correct protocol and taking the appropriate action. The master is the highest authority on the ship and is responsible for making important decisions, so reaching out to them will help you overcome your doubt and ensure that you are acting in accordance with the established procedures.
The reason to call the master in all the given options is related to potential risks or uncertainties in navigation. However, being in doubt about the maneuvering characteristics of the vessel does not pose an immediate danger or require immediate intervention from the master. Therefore, it is not a valid reason to call the master.
Rule 7 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea states that every vessel shall use all available means to determine the risk of collision and to take avoiding action. This includes the use of radar, which is an important tool for watch keeping as it helps in detecting other vessels, determining their position, speed, and course, and assessing the risk of collision. Therefore, the necessity to comply with the use of radar in watch keeping is mandated by Rule 7.
As the OOW (Officer of the Watch), you may be the only person responsible for keeping watch on the bridge, but this condition can only be met if doubts about the situation have been carefully assessed. This means that before being the sole lookout, you must ensure that any uncertainties or concerns about the current situation have been thoroughly evaluated and addressed.
The correct answer is "unmanned machinery space." This term refers to a designated area on a ship or vessel where machinery and equipment are operated and controlled remotely or without human presence. It is important to have unmanned machinery spaces to ensure safety and efficiency in maritime operations.
When an officer is alone on the bridge in collision avoidance, it can contribute to the vessel being highly dangerous on automatic steering. This is because the officer may not have enough time or attention to properly monitor the automatic steering system and make necessary adjustments to avoid collisions. Without another person to assist, the officer may be overwhelmed with the multiple tasks and responsibilities required for safe navigation.
The appropriate action for the 3rd Officer to take before using the engines and sound signaling apparatus for collision avoidance is to provide timely notice to the engine room of the intended change. This ensures that the engine room is aware of the upcoming change and can make the necessary adjustments or preparations. By notifying the engine room in advance, the 3rd Officer can ensure that the engines and sound signaling apparatus are ready to be used effectively for collision avoidance.
The requirements listed are all necessary for planning a voyage, except for signal pennants. Signal pennants are used for communication between ships and are not directly related to the planning of a voyage. The other requirements, such as nautical publications, updated information about hazards to navigation, and adequate and appropriate charts, are essential for ensuring a safe and well-planned voyage.
The correct answer is "at a short period and safe to do so." As the Officer of the Watch (OOW), it is important to regularly visit the chart room to perform navigational duties. However, the frequency of these visits should be determined by the need and safety considerations. The OOW should prioritize their duties and ensure that they have a lookout while performing other navigational tasks. Therefore, they should visit the chart room at regular intervals that are short enough to maintain situational awareness and safety.
Rule 7 of the COLREG requires a compulsory use of radar, as it states that every vessel must use all available means to detect other vessels, including radar if available. Rule 19 also requires the use of radar, as it states that vessels must use radar to obtain early warning of the risk of collision and to obtain information about other vessels' actions. Therefore, the correct answer is Rule 7 and 19.
